Relationship between generalized joint hypermobility, socioeconomic status and physical activity level in Iranian school students

Generalized joint hypermobility is defined as a physiologic increase in the joint range of motion which is affected by various factors such as physical activity level and socioeconomic status. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between generalized joint hypermobility with physical activity level and socioeconomic status in Iranian school students.

In this study 782 school students (age ranged:7-18years) were allocated based on the cluster sampling method. The generalized joint hypermobility was determined according to the Beighton criteria. The level of physical activity and socioeconomic status were determined using questionnaires. Correspondingly, the participants answered a questionnaire concerning gym sport, sports in general and musical activity.

There was a significant correlation between the physical activity level and the Beighton score (P<0.01), but there was no significant correlation between Beighton score and the socioeconomic status (P >0.05). None of them were predictive of generalized joint hypermobility. There were significant and direct correlations between Beighton score and participation in the gym sports (P<0.05). Musical activity was reversely correlated with Beighton score (P<0.05).

According to the results, there was no relationship between the generalized joint hypermobility with the socio-economic status in the study population in Iran. However, the generalized joint hypermobility was increased with increasing in the physical activity level. Because of the relationship between the generalized joint hypermobility with participation in gym sports and musical activity, it is recommended to examine the role of these factors on the generalized joint hypermobility in school students in details.